1975 1500TC - Black booty trim

[bazyerma]

Hi

After some welding to the rear quarters I decided to tidy up the back end. Sanding down the paint it was clear it was painted back at one time. I have done it all body could of French blue (126) and was wondering what of the 1500/1300/Dolomites have the boot and light area black?

This car is a1975 1500TC manual

Regards

Barry

[Carledo]

Basically, you can divide models into pre 76 and post 76.

The clue is that pre 76, your rear 1/4 end mouldings on lower spec models are the short L shaped ones. If these are fitted, the rear panel is body colour from the factory (as is my 73 1500FWD) If, OTOH, you have a pre 76 car and have the J shaped 1/4 and rear panel mouldings (basically "Dolomite" and "Dolomite Sprint") then the rear panel contained within that moulding set is satin black. NO pre 76 Toledo models had the black rear end, except in the single surviving rear photo of the prototype "Toledo TS", which was dropped before production could begin.

Post 76, 1300 and non-HL 1500s have body colour rear panels (and sail panel/C pillar/D pillar) whereas 1500HL 1850HL and Sprint tail panels are satin black (and the sail panel is vinyl covered) However, post 76, the full surround bright moulding on the tail panel is universal.

There was a bit of a tendency in the early 80s for owners of lower spec cars to "upgrade" them with a matte or satin black tail panel (often with a rattle can and to cover up impending rot!) and one can sometimes find evidence of this activity today!

HTH, Steve

[bazyerma]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the info, I did wonder if it was a trim option or something but with the chrome bezel on being the "L" ones I assumed it was body colour.

Now I just hope my NOS centre section I got can be made to fit as it has bolt holes instead of weld brackets like the original, I should have been less heavy handed with the glass beads blasting the insides, turns out it was the chrome holding it together!

Regards

Barry

[Carledo]

Now I just hope my NOS centre section I got can be made to fit as it has bolt holes instead of weld brackets like the original, I should have been less heavy handed with the glass beads blasting the insides, turns out it was the chrome holding it together!

If you mean the bumper centre section, these are also different pre and post 76, distinguished by the large single number plate light housing on early cars and 2 small button type lamps on later models. I've not tried it myself, but there is an alleged cross-over possible, but you'll need some chrome coach bolts to fit the bumper to the irons and to drill extra holes in the top face to bolt the number plate light housing to the later bumper and accuracy is crucial!

Steve

[ClassicFan]

. I've not tried it myself, but there is an alleged cross-over possible, but you'll need some chrome coach bolts to fit the bumper to the irons and to drill extra holes in the top face to bolt the number plate light housing to the later bumper and accuracy is crucial!

Steve

The actual bumper irons for the centre section are different, I found out when I swapped a late centre section for an early one Steve on my SE

[Carledo]

. I've not tried it myself, but there is an alleged cross-over possible, but you'll need some chrome coach bolts to fit the bumper to the irons and to drill extra holes in the top face to bolt the number plate light housing to the later bumper and accuracy is crucial!

Steve

The actual bumper irons for the centre section are different, I found out when I swapped a late centre section for an early one Steve on my SE

Seems to me, the best course would be to swap your early and incorrect bumper for Barry's late and incorrect bumper!

Failing that, I have, I think, a pair of late type irons in my collection of bits.

Steve

[bazyerma]

Hi All

The bumper irons fitted fine, the only issue is the bumper sits a bit further towards the body than before (I had to use the bumper spacers part number 631490 and bolts 725804 as per the front). Luckily with the slotted hole in the side mount it fitted ok. To be perfect I should have fitted a shim between the body and the bumper irons but it look good enough for me

I can add photos of the old item if that would be of help to anyone.

Regards

Barry